Thomas Kretschmann Cast as Baron Strucker in Avengers: Age of Ultron

The Hollywood Reporter has learned that "Dracula" star Thomas Kretschmann has been cast as a "major villain" in the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron, which they say is none other than Baron Wolfgang von Strucker. The site also notes that Kretschmann's deal to portray Strucker is for multiple films and not solely The Avengers sequel. Strucker was originally rumored to appear in the movie last month, and it now appears he will join the villain Ultron, played by James Spader, in the highly-anticipated sequel.

Strucker first appeared in 1964's "Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos." A former Nazi officer, Strucker's body is host to the "Death Spore Virus," which gives him powerful healing abilities and has stopped his aging. If he dies, however, the virus can go airborne and wipe out all life on Earth.

Written and directed by Joss Whedon, the film is set to also star Robert Downey Jr., Elizabeth Olsen, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (with many more names expected to be confirmed soon). Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1, 2015.